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The Ultimate Guide to Phytocannabinoids for Horses

*This article is sponsored by Treatibles. Author Heather Wallace is working with this company to spread awareness of the benefits of hemp and phytocannabinoids for horses. By Heather Wallace Last night I had trouble sleeping. I had so many thoughts running through my brain. The focus of my thoughts was, unsurprisingly, horses and how to best keep them calm. Yes, I realize the irony. A few of my equestrian friends around the world have been dealing with kissing spine, stall rest, and pent up horses. Others have been dealing with trailering problems. Even the most bombproof horse has their moments. The bottom line is that equestrians are looking for safe and natural ways to reduce anxiety, reduce inflammation, and relieve pain in their animals. As an equine massage therapist, I suggest sports massage to relieve tension, reduce toxins, and stimulate endorphin release. Of course, true holistic wellness must address all aspects of the body whether behavioral, physical, and mental and address the core cause of the problem. As such, I know that massage is only part of a larger wellness program. There are many ways to naturally improve the health and wellness of your horse. I’m very excited to find there is now a product available that I think could be a huge game changer for horses. Phytocannabinoid-rich oil (PCR). Let me tell you a little more about PCR oil and how it can help your horse achieve balance naturally and without side effects. I first spoke with the founder of Treatibles, Juliana Carella, at the 2017 BlogPaws conference in Myrtle Beach. I had never heard of using cannabis treats for my pets and wanted to learn more about it. Like most people, I thought “how is this not giving my pet marijuana?”

Treatibles is a US-based company and knowing the regulations involving cannabis they have done their due diligence to be clear how their product differs from medical marijuana:

“Cannabinoids are a group of chemical compounds present in both animals and the cannabis genus, which includes both hemp and cannabis. The phytocannabinoids in both offer a wide range of therapeutic applications. THC is the psychoactive component in cannabis. Hemp contains less than .3% THC and is legal in all 50 states. Our products are all hemp-based.” Treatibles

How Cannabinoids Affect Animals

All animals, with the exception of insects, have cannabinoid receptors in their brains, immune systems, and organs. As a result, our bodies absorb the cannabinoids found in hemp-derived phytocannabinoid-rich oil. In fact, rather than having to assimilate chemical calming products our bodies naturally interact with the cannabinoids inherent in PCR oil. All without negative side effects.

Not all Hemp-Derived Products for Pets are Created Equal

“We go above and beyond to ensure the efficacy and safety of all of our products. We third-party lab test at every stage, from the raw materials to the finished product. As far as we know, we are the only company producing phytocannabinoid products for pets that can quantify the exact milligrams of cannabidiol in every chew, dropper bottle and gel cap. In addition, we test to ensure our products are free of bio-contaminants and heavy metals,” offers Julianna Carella, CEO and Founder of Treatibles.

Not all PCR products are the same. Choosing a high-quality hemp-derived product is extremely important. THC is toxic to pets so sourcing hemp and quality testing is imperative for your animal’s wellness.

Which Horses Can Benefit from Phytocannabinoid-rich Oil?

All horses! Seriously. We all have that one horse we know that is suffering from chronic laminitis, anxiety, muscle soreness, stall rest, trailering anxiety, herd bound issues, or more. The beautiful thing about PCR oil is that it does not have to be used continuously or build up in their systems.
Say your horse has anxiety about being trailered. You’ve desensitized him, used positive training methods, and still he keeps pawing at the floor or kicking out causing the trailer to rock because he doesn’t want to be separated from you. Treatibles PCR oil is an amazing addition to your routine. Administer the dose 30 minutes to an hour beforehand and see what a difference it makes.

Alternatively you may have a horse on stall rest. You’ve made some pretty creative toys for your horse to play with but after 4 weeks they are just feeling cooped up and wanting out. Use phytocannabinoid-rich oil for horses to help keep them calm until you can hand walk or turnout again. Further, you can use PCR oil to calm your horse prior to hand walking so he doesn’t make it a challenge!

Phytocannabinoid-rich oil does not change your horse’s personality. But it does help to bring your animal back to balance within their own bodies. Naturally.
Benefits of Phytocannabinoid-rich Oil for Your Horse

Global competition rules are very strict when it comes to medicating your horse prior to an event. The FEI and United States Equestrian Federation (USEF) have precise information to keep everyone on an even playing field.

“The FEI has published a warning regarding the use of supplements (including herbal supplements) and products of which the ingredients are unknown. Any substances which affects the performance of a horse in a calming (tranquillising) or an energising (stimulant) manner and which contain a prohibited substance are forbidden.”Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI).

It is important to note that PCR oil and hemp are not on this list. However, anything that calms your horse is forbidden. It is best practice is to not dose your horse within 24 hours of competition.

Is Phytocannabinoid-rich Oil and Hemp Illegal?

Treatibles was the first company to create PCR hemp oil infused chews for pets. Their products are virtually free of THC, the psychoactive cannabinoid found in cannabis. Treatibles are legal to sell and ship to all 50 United States.

Where You Can Buy PCR Oil for your Horse
Currently on the market, horses would do best with the 25mg Phytocannabinoid Gel Caps available on the Treatibles website. The recommended dosage is four gel caps for a 1,000 lb. horse (1 mg for every 10 lbs of body weight). Benefits may last anywhere from 4 to 8 hours.

DOSAGE
25.mg of PCR per full dropper (4 full droppers for a 1,000 lb. horse); .85 mg of PCR per drop

INSTRUCTIONS

These droppers may be mixed with food, water, or even applied directly to the mouth!

Treatibles is an amazing US-based company that has your pet’s mental and physical health at the forefront of their mind. They would love to improve the lives of horses as they have with dogs, cats, rabbits, and more.

The benefits of PCR oil for horses complement the benefits of sports massage, acupuncture, and aromatherapy which is why I am so glad that I found this product. Anything we can do to amplify the positive benefits of these holistic therapies naturally, without negative side effects, is something that I can get behind fully.

*This is a sponsored post. I’m working with Treatibles to spread awareness of the benefits of hemp and phytocannabinoids for horses.

About the writer:
Heather Wallace is a certified equine and canine sports massage therapist and co-owner of Bridle & Bone Wellness LLC. After working for 12 years in the publishing industry, she changed careers to fulfill her dream of working with animals. In addition to her small business, Heather is the writer and editor for the equestrian and canine blog, Bridle & Bone, where she addresses important topics such as natural health and wellness. Follow her at bridleandbone.com and on social media @bridleandbone.